Conducting Business Virtually

Thanks to technology, I have been able to keep in touch with local business and health care leaders and lead discussions about the quality of our water during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, I joined a discussion with area hospital administrators of Upland Hills Health, the Monroe Clinic, Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, the Richland Hospital, Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Grant Regional Health Center, Mile Bluff Medical Center, Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics, and Southwest Health to discuss the challenges they are facing and plans to resume previously delayed elective procedures. They encourage patients to use the emergency department or urgent care if they feel it necessary. Wisconsin's hospitals and clinics are safe, clean, and taking the necessary precautions to care for patients and their families. (top right)

Unable to hold the event in-person, UW-Madison hosted a virtual Water@UW-Madison Spring Symposium this year. The theme of the event was "Working Together to Address Water Challenges - UW-Madison and State Government." As Chairman of the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality, I joined Vice-Chair Katrina Shankland to provide an overview and answer questions for an audience of over 400 about the work of this unprecedented, bipartisan task force. Our presentation highlighted the 13 bills introduced and passed in the Assembly this session. (top left)

Finally, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion with several area businesses about the state government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I had the opportunity to provide an update and answer questions about the ongoing pandemic and resources available to assist businesses during this difficult time. Thank you to all who attended. Your ideas and experiences are extremely helpful as we work together on a plan that prioritizes public health and slowly reopens our state. (bottom)

Coronavirus Update

Testing:

As of May 8, The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has received 97,265 negative test results and 9,590 positive test results for COVID-19. Of those who tested positive for the virus, 1,767 (18%) were hospitalized. The most up-to-date testing information can be found here.

The Department of Health Services has launched a new website that shows community testing locations around the state. The searchable map, updated daily, allows users to locate their nearest testing location.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 click here to complete an online screening and receive feedback from a medical professional.

State Updates:

• On a radio appearance this week, Governor Evers indicated he may support a regional reopening of Wisconsin.
• According to a report on general fund tax collections from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Wisconsin took in more than $1.1 billion in tax collections last month, approximately $870 million less than April 2019. The report also notes that for the 10 months of the current fiscal year, collections are $313 million below those over the same 10 months of 2018-19.
• The Department of Health Services has launched hospital gating criteria as part of Governor Evers' Badger Bounce Back Plan. Of the six gating criteria provided by DHS, one has been met, three have not been met, and two are awaiting data.
• According to the Governor, an additional 401 contact tracers have been trained over the last two months.
• According to a report from the Badger Institute, the partial shutdown of Wisconsin costs the state $178.9 million in lost GDP every day.
• The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced two pilot programs to address backlog issues. They allow eligible persons with a Wisconsin drivers license to renew online and individuals under 18 years old who successfully complete their required training and have the endorsement of a parent to get a probationary driver license without completing a road test.
• A bipartisan group of legislative leaders met with Governor Evers on Monday afternoon to discuss steps to safely reopen the state.

Federal Updates:

• Click here to view the most recent daily briefing points from FEMA.
• U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced an expansion of Meals to You, a partnership to feed low-income kids in rural areas. The initiative will serve nearly 5 million meals per week to rural children - five times its original goal.
• FEMA released a fact sheet outlining existing efforts to ensure nursing homes have PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Owners:

• The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has compiled industry specific documents to assist business owners return to business while taking the necessary precautions. Click here to view these resources.

Education:

• UW System President Ray Cross presented a plan to the UW Board of Regents recommending campuses cut programs and consolidate administrative operations as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps campuses closed. The UW System estimates a $170 million loss in the spring semester due to the pandemic.
• All UW System schools except UW-Madison will not require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their applications this year or next.

Unemployment:

• According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the state fund to pay unemployment benefits could run out of money as early as October.
• I signed on to a letter to Department of Workforce Development Secretary Caleb Frostman asking the department to explore all options to speed up the processing of unemployment claims.
• Since March 15, the Department of Workforce Development reports that over half a million people have filed for unemployment in Wisconsin.
• DWD was awarded $999,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of a COVID-19 dislocated worker grant. The funds will be distributed to regional workforce development boards to create temporary jobs for laid-off workers.
• Today, the U.S. Labor Department reported that 20.5 million workers have been taken off nonfarm payrolls resulting in an unemployment rate of 14.7%.
• DWD has signed a contract to bring on an additional 500 staff to handle UI claims over the phone with additional call center contracts in the works.

• Those seeking employment are encouraged to register on JobCenterofWisconsin.com. This website continues to be updated with new job postings

• If you are having difficulty reaching the Department of Workforce Development or are having problems with your UI claim, please reach out to my office using the information at the bottom of this newsletter. We are happy to help.

Agriculture:

• The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection issued additional guidance for farmers market managers, vendors, and consumers. Farmers markets are currently classified as essential businesses.
• U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, sent a letter to governors across the nation outline the expectations related to President Trumps Executive Order directing meat packing facilities to continue operations.
• Dairy Farms of Wisconsin has coordinated two partnerships to move the oversupply of dairy products to food pantries and pay farmers and processors for the work.
• Agriculture producers are now eligible for the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). More information can be found here.

Other Developments:

• Wisconsinites are adhering less to social distancing than they were 6 weeks ago according to location data collected by Unacast's "Social Distancing Scoreboard." Wisconsin has received a grade of "D" after previously receiving a grade of "B." It is important to note that Unacast has changed how the grades are calculated.
  
• U.S. hospitals are losing billions of dollars per day as they comply with guidance from policymakers and leading medical associations toi preserve resources for COVID-19 patients.. Recovery could potentially take years.
• Due to greater need south of the border, Advocate Aurora Health is deploying some nurses with dual state licenses across the border to Illinois where coronavirus numbers are higher.
• Soon, all airlines at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport will require everyone to wear a mask while flying.
• Democratic Governor Pritzker of Illinois will be following a region-by-region plan to reopen the state called "Restore Illinois."

Useful Links:

• Centers for Disease Control - Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
  
  
• The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Frequently Asked Questions: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/faqs/
  
  
• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services - COVID-19 Web Page: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
  
  
• WEDC COVID-19 Resources Page: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/

• Internal Revenue Service: Information on Economic Impact Payments: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Information for Small Business Owners: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/ Save

Best Practices:

The Centers for Disease Control have posted the following tips to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a facemask if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

More information on coronavirus from the CDC can be found here

How You Can Help

• Support Local Business - Do your part to make sure your favorite spots are around when we get through this. Many restaurants are offering generous discounts and providing pick up and delivery service. Call your favorite spot to see what they are offering and tip a little more than usual as restaurants are serving fewer people. If you prefer to dine in, consider purchasing a gift card for later use. The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is compiling a list of restaurants remaining open for pick up and delivery. If you are a restaurant owner or you know of a restaurant offering these services, feel free to add their information.

• Give Blood - The American Red Cross reports that they are facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during the coronavirus outbreak. Click here to learn more about how you can donate and locate a blood drive taking place in our area.

• Give to Food Banks and Delivery Services - Organizations like Feeding America and Meals on Wheels are in need of donations and volunteers to provide food to those in need during this difficult time. Charity Navigator has also compiled a list of trustworthy charities in need of resources. Click here for a list of soup kitchens and food pantries in our area.

• Volunteer - Volunteers are needed to staff shelters and provide food delivery services throughout the state. United Way Wisconsin has provided a dashboard to connect volunteers with organizations looking for help. Click here to view.

Stay Well and Be Safe!